The Influence of One Life
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.— Philippians 2:9-11
Today millions and millions of people worship Jesus Christ. Their language may be different from yours, and even their approach to worship will vary in every culture and denomination. But when all is said and done, the influence of our Lord Jesus Christ has affected life on this earth more than that of all other men or religions combined. Today in every part of the world people kneel before Him; like you and I, they stand amazed at His influence in our world. These beautiful words help us understand the powerful influence of this one life.
Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His feet inside a big city. He never traveled 200 miles from the place where He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself.
While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying, and that was His coat. When He was dead He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone, and today He is the centerpiece of the human race and the leader of the column of progress.
I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the names that were ever built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as has that one solitary life. - Unknown author
GOING DEEPER:
- Take a few moments to pause and reflect on the impact Jesus Christ has had on the world around you. What do you think the world would be like if Jesus Christ wasn’t Lord?
- Have you bowed before the throne of God and confessed with your tongue that Jesus Christ is Lord?
FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2:9-11
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